With this ring, you are consecrated to me...

The tradition of wearing a ring, on the fourth finger of the left hand, began in ancient Greece in the 3rd century B.C.
Greek doctors believe that that particular finger had a “vein of love” that went all the way to the heart.

The premise of wearing a wedding band in the left hand is so romantic, isn’t it? A couple exchanges rings, which not only tells everyone that they are no longer available, but mainly that their love, their pinkish energy, flows into the vena amoris all the way to the heart...
Beautiful!

Many cultures kept the custom of wearing weddings rings on the left hand; but some wear it on the right hand, or even on the toe (bischiya – Hindu women).
But regardless of where it is worn, its symbolism remains the same: Fidelity, ownership, eternal love...Eternal love, fidelity, possession...Possession, eternal love, fidelity...

It all begins in the betrothal ceremonies. Ladies receive the engagement ring and their face shines (but I wonder if they realise the true meaning of receiving such “proof” of commitment; or whether they just don’t give a damn, because if the agreement ends they’ll get to keep the ring...and if needed be...sell it)...now they get anxious for that moment when emotional security is guaranteed...
Men offer their betrothed ones beautiful rings (and poor souls...when they can’t afford one they actually feel guilty about it, a failure even...what has society done to us?) that express not only their intention to wed their love, but also to flaunt their success (i.e. It’s big and I can pay for this ring – or, I’ll find a way to pay for it – yes, she is mine; from now on if a guy so much looks in her direction, I’ll bust his chops).

Until the 19th century, only women wore wedding bands (which could make us doubt the romanticism of the whole affair)...but thanks to the American Jewellery Industry, couples – through a well organised marketing campaign – were inspired to exchange rings during the wedding ceremony.
Consecration, fidelity, eternal love...
“With this ring, you are consecrated to me according to the law of Moses and Israel.”
“Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Beautiful...

Now, what happens if the fiancée doesn’t wish to wear a ring? People, but particularly the fiancé, will ask themselves why she doesn’t want to announce the world that she is engaged and that there is a man who loves her. The result of this: clouded minds, suspicions, fermentation of fury...
And what is the possible outcome of accidentally losing one’s ring? People, but specially the spouse, will think either that his/her beloved has cheated and left the ring at the love kleptomaniac’s house; or that his/her spouse is going through a middle age crisis and has the need to pretend that he/she is still single. The result of this: fights, quarrels, injustice...

If we subtract from the ring the time invested in selecting it; the sentiment conferred upon it; the money paid for it; and the social message it conveys; what’s left? A simple ring...a cold metal band.

Love, companionship, respect, loyalty, fidelity and trust go way beyond an engagement or wedding band: either it’s there or not.
A ring, per se, doesn’t vouchsafe these crucial marital values.